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Oak Grove Wood Cemetery
Grant Township
Township 59, Range 31, Section 1
DeKalb County, Missouri
Kelly took the photos of this cemetery.
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Oak Grove Cemetery
Polk Township
Township 59, Range 33, Section 2
Union Star, DeKalb County, Missouri
From Union Star, east on Hwy 169 to State Hwy F. South on State Hwy F about two miles to NW Gospel Road. East on NW Gospel Road about 0.2 miles. Church and cemetery are on the north side of the road.
Book O p. 186, 31 October 1870 — From J. R. Lindley and wife, Elizabeth to James Redding, James H. Johnson, J. R. Lindley, Bluford Trotter, James Allen, W. H. Spangler, John Williams and J. J. Williams. A warranty deed with a consideration of $25.00 [worth about $460 in 2018] released for use as a place of worship. All of the above people were charter members of the Oak Grove Church and all but J. J. Williams and James H. Johnson are buried in this cemetery.
Photos are numbered in order of date/time taken, when possible. Kelly and Kris took the pictures for this cemetery.
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Oak Cemetery
DeKalb County, Missouri
Directions: From Maysville, head out of town on State Route 6, going west approximately 9 miles. The cemetery will be on the left, or south, side of the road. It is at the top of a hill and hard to see until you are right upon it. Oak Baptist Church is right across the street. From Clarksdale, take State Route 6 north and at approximately 5 miles the road will make a 90 degree bend — after that bend it is about one more mile. The cemetery will be on the right side, at top of hill.
Credits: Kelly Alvarado photographed this cemetery.
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Mount Pleasant Cemetery
Adams Township
Township 58, Range 30, Section 7
DeKalb County, Missouri
On 29 September 1883, Pauline Warner deeded two acres for this cemetery to the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church for $100. The church was active until about 1921, and the building was torn down in 1952. Cemetery Association members in 1954 were Louis Goodwin, Harold B. Owen, George C. Warner and Edward Owen.
Dawn photographed this cemetery.
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Wm. Womack, aged about sixty years, and one of the oldest settlers in this county, died last Saturday from the effects of a broken limb.
St. Joseph Morning Herald, 12 Aug 1873, p. 4
Submitted by Monica Schirmer Eshelman
Judge Thomas Williams, of Sherman Township, was born in Yadkin County, N. C., February 11, 1823. He is the son of Isaac and Dicy (Ridings) Williams, who were born and spent their lives in Yadkin County, N. C. The father died about 1876, nearly eighty-four years of age, the mother about 1868. The father was a Whig. The Judge is the seventh of ten children. He grew to manhood on his father’s farm, and received a good, country-school education. In the spring of 1847 he came to Missouri, and taught school six months in Gentry County, then removing to Buchanan County, where he remained till October, 1850, when he returned to his native State and county. He there taught a private school in the winter of 1850-1851. On February 25, 1851, he was united in marriage with Miss Cuolistia Reece. Returning to Missouri, he located on a farm of eighty acres in De Kalb County, near his present location, where he settled in November, 1851. His wife died November 20, 1855, having borne three children—one son and two daughters—of whom the son is living. On November 6, 1856, he wedded Miss Margaret J. Ellingsworth. She died August 18, 1877, having borne five sons, of whom two are dead. On May 1, 1879, Mr. Williams was married to his present wife. In 1853 he was appointed county judge by the Governor to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of John T. Baker. In 1855 he was elected to the office, and in 1857 was re-elected for six years. He served until August 1861, when he resigned on account of the war. He has always been a Democrat. The first and second wives were members of the Missionary Baptist Church. His present wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Source: History of Andrew and DeKalb Counties, Missouri (Chicago: Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1888), pp. 591.
Marjorie Adams submitted this photo of William A. Clark, wife Tabitha Catherine (Brooks) Clark, and daughter Allie:
“William A Clark was married to Tabitha (nickname Kate) Brooks Clark. He ran away and when a William A Clark died in Butte Montana, the daughters of Kate sued the estate of William A Clark–who had become a multi millionaire and was know as “The Copper King”. The trial was in about 1928 — I have old newspaper records. Anyway, the girls could not prove it was their father and lost the case. Do a search for the Copper King, and you will find a bed and breakfast in Butte Montana that has a photo of William A Clark–the Copper King. I can see some resemblance–remember the photo of young william and the copper king old william! Interesting! Kate was the sister of my great great grandmother Lavina Brooks Clark. The two sisters married brothers.”
C. L. Welden, a prominent citizen of Maysville, and junior member of the firm of Orr & Welden, general merchants, was born in Hart County, Ky., on September 29, 1851. He is the son of Washington B. and Mary M. (Highbaugh) Welden, natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. The former, when seven years of age, removed to Kentucky, where he resided until 1855. In that year, with his wife, he immigrated to Harrison County, Mo., making the journey in a wagon. They are now living upon the farm which they pre-empted. Our subject remained at home until 1877, when he began clerking in a store at Edinburg, Mo. After a few months he went to Maysville, Mo., and thence to Bridgeport, Harrison County, where he was engaged in merchandising for about fourteen months. He the returned to Maysville, and clerked for Orr & Son for six months, after which he became a member of the firm, and engaged in business at McFall, Mo. At the end of thirteen months he sold his interest, and returned to Maysville. From that time until August 1883, he was disabled on account of an accidental gun shot. He then went to Caldwell County, where he conducted a store for nineteen months. At the end of that time he returned to Maysville, and on November 10, 1885, formed his present partnership. He also owns a one-half interest in a store at Weatherby, Mo., conducted under the firm name of McClure & Welden. On January 14, 1875, he was united in marriage with Lieulla Williams, who died on November 16, 1875, leaving one son. Mr. Welden chose for his second wife, Fanny, the daughter of William Orr, Sr., to whom he was married on September 11, 1879. They have two children in life, and one dead.
Source: History of Andrew and DeKalb Counties, Missouri (Chicago: Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1888), pp. 590-591.
Lewis H. Weatherby was born in Tompkins County, N. J., in 1830, and is the second of six children born to Samuel and Dorcas (Hinkley) Weatherby, both natives of New York. The father was born about 1808, and was the son of Edmund Weatherby, a native of New Jersey, who removed to New York, and thence to Ohio, where he died. Samuel was a farmer by vocation, and died in Ohio in 1853. The mother was born about 1810, and was the daughter of Joshua Hinkley. She died in Missouri in 1868. Lewis H. was reared on the farm, and attended the schools of Delaware, Ohio. He began the study of medicine in 1847 with Dr. Kelley, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and later studied with Dr. Russell. He then attended Sterling Medical College at Columbus, Ohio, for two years, graduating in 1850. Although he was not yet twenty-one years of age, he at once entered upon the practice of his profession at Johnsville, Ohio, where he remained until 1856. He then took a course of lectures at the Eclectic Medical College, at Cincinnati, from which he graduated the same year. He resumed his practice, but in 1859 immigrated to Laclede, Mo., where he remained until 1861. He then enlisted in the Federal army, and became first lieutenant of Company A., of the Seventh Missouri Cavalry. He resigned the next year on account of disability. He returned to Lynn County, and became a candidate for the Legislature on the Emancipation Ticket, but was defeated by seventeen votes. In 1863 he removed to Maysville, and the next year represented his Senatorial district in the constitutional convention. In 1866 he was elected probate judge, and ex officio presiding judge of the county court, which office he filled four years. During his official life he also practiced his profession, from which he retired about a year ago. During the past six years, he has been extensively engaged in stock raising and farming. Dr. Weatherby was married in 1848 to Miss Elvina Levering, a native of Ohio, born in 1829, and a daughter of John and Charlotte Levering. She died in the spring of 1864, having borne two children, one of whom is still living. The doctor chose for his second wife Miss Helen Gilbert, who was born in Licking County, Ohio, in 1843. They have two children. Mrs. Weatherby is a member of the Christian Church, and Dr. Weatherby of the I. O. O. F.
Source: History of Andrew and DeKalb Counties, Missouri (Chicago: Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1888), p. 590.
John D. Ward, a thriving farmer of Dallas Township, was born in Adams Township, De Kalb County, on June 4, 1847. He is the second of ten children born to William H. and Ellen (Chrisham) Ward. They are both natives of Scott County, Ky., and in early life came with their respective parents to Indiana. They were married in Fountain County of that State in 1844, and soon after immigrated to Missouri, settling in De Kalb County, where they now live. The father has given his exclusive attention to farming, and has met with deserved success. He and wife are worthy members of the Missionary Baptist Church. In politics he is a Democrat. John D. was reared on his father’s farm, and in his youth received a good academic education. In 1868 he purchased, and the next year settled, the farm where he now resides. He owns 420 acres of land. In 1882 he built a neat residence upon his farm, at a cost of $1,800. On April 1 1869, he was united in marriage with Miss Amanda J. Reed, of Texas, who is the daughter of George and Mary Reed. They have seven children as follows: Mary E., deceased; Emma N., deceased; Luther T., William E., Franklin A., Orva H., and Iva A. (twins). Mr. Ward is a decided Democrat. Mrs. Ward is a member of the Christian Church.
Source: History of Andrew and DeKalb Counties, Missouri (Chicago: Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1888), pp. 589-590.
G. W. Tunks, treasurer of Grant Township, was born in Clark County, Ohio, on August 10, 1823. He is the eighth of ten children born to Philip and Phebe (Wallingsford) Tunks. The father was born in Virginia, on March 1, 1783. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, volunteering from Clark County, Ohio. He is a farmer and also a tanner. He died in Shelby County, Ohio, on April 15, 1845, to which county he had removed in 1827. The mother was born in Kentucky on September 3, 1788. She died in Shelby County, Ohio, on November 5, 1862. G. W. was reared on the farm, and received his education in the public schools. He remained on the farm with his parents until their deaths. On January 10, 1850, he was united in marriage with Silence B. Beazley, who was also born in Shelby County, Ohio, on June 15, 1826. Mr. Tunks removed to Missouri in the fall of 1869, and located in Grant Township, where he has since resided engaged in farming. While a citizen of Ohio, he served for several terms as trustee of his township, and also as assessor. Since residing in Missouri, he has served as assessor of Grant Township, and in March, 1883, was elected as a Republican to the office he now fills. He has since been twice re-elected—in 1885 and in 1887. He and wife are both members of the Missionary Baptist Church. They have had seven children born to them as follows: Caroline, December 5, 1850, died August 8, 1851; Mary E., December 20, 1851; John, August 14, 1854; Phebe, July 4, 1857, deceased; David, September 10, 1859; Maggie, October 30, 1865, and Mark, October 30, 1865. Mr. Tunks is an enterprising and progressive citizen, and is respected and esteemed by all who know him.
Source: History of Andrew and DeKalb Counties, Missouri (Chicago: Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1888), p. 589.
Death Notice
Mr. F. Trachsel, aged 65 years, a prominent citizen of northwest Missouri died after a short illness Tuesday December 11. Mr. Trachsel has been a resident of Missouri nineteen years and was formerly of Minneapolis, Minn. The remains were interred in Oak Grove cemetery, near Union Star. He leaves a wife and family of high respectability to mourn the loss of a husband and father.
Source: St. Joseph Daily Gazette, 14 Dec 1888, p. 4
Submitted by Monica Schirmer Eshelman
Departed this life at his late residence, seven miles northwest of Stewartsville, Missouri, on Thursday, the 22d day of August, 1872, after a short illness, Mr. Thomas Rankin Thornton, aged 44 years. Mr. Thornton was born in Callaway county, Missouri, in the year 1828. When about sixteen years old his parents moved to what is now De Kalb county, where he resided at the time of his death.
Mr. Thornton was a man of unblemished character and unquestioned integrity, and was universally beloved by all who knew him. Several years before his death he made a profession of religion, and has since lived an exemplary christian. His sickness was short and he bore it with christian fortitude, and gave unmistakable evidence that he was prepared to meet his God. He leaves a large family and an extensive circle of friends to mourn his loss.
J. C.
St. Joseph Daily Gazette, 28 Aug 1872, p. 4
Submitted by Monica Schirmer Eshelman
Yesterday Mrs. Susan F. Thornton, wife of Mr. D. L. Thornton, died at the residence of her husband, on Frederick avenue, aged 28 years.
Mrs. Thornton was born in Estell county, Kentucky, and had been an exemplary member of the Christian church for the past ten years. On the 19th of January, 1869, she was united in married to Mr. Thornton, and since that time her entire attention was devoted to her family. She was a daughter of Judge Quinn, of Irvine, Kentucky, and a most estimable lady in all the relations of life. Her remains will be interred in the family burial ground near Stewartsville, DeKalb county, this afternoon.
St. Joseph Daily Gazette, 12 Jul 1873, p. 4.
Monica Schirmer Eshelman
PIONEER MISSOURIAN DEAD.
Luke Thornton Had Lived at Clarksdale Since 1840 — Funeral Will Be Held Tomorrow.
Clarksdale, Mo., Feb. ??.—Luke Thornton, one of the pioneer residents of this vicinity, died at his home here yesterday following an extended illness. The funeral will be held tomorrow with interment at the Thornton Cemetery where between fifty and sixty of his relatives are buried. Mr. Thornton is survived by one son and two daughters.
Mr. Thornton who was eighty-two years old, was born in Calloway County, Missouri in 1831, and came to Clarksdale in 1840. He was a member of the Baptist Church, Politically, he was a member of the Democratic party.
Source: St. Joseph News-Press, 16 February 1912, p. 1, col. 4
Jerry T. Thornton, a farmer of De Kalb County, is a native of Missouri, born in 1834. He is the son of William and Sallie (Todd) Thornton, natives of Kentucky and South Carolina, respectively. The mother came to Kentucky with her parents when quite young, and is living, being ninety-five years of age. Jerry T. has always followed farming and stock dealing. He came to this county when seven years of age, and located on the farm where he now resides, in 1861. In that year he enlisted in the Missouri State Militia, under Gen. Price. He was wounded at the battle of Blue Mills Landing, and was compelled to return home. In 1861 he was united in marriage with Martha E. McConnell, daughter of Alexander and Sarah A. McConnell. They have had fifteen children, two of whom are dead. Those living are William A., John B. (united in marriage with Ella Courtney in 1885), Mary F., Elvira J. (who became the wife of George W. Swails in 1886), James C., Oliver A., Laura A., Albert E., Artie B., Lillie M., Lula M., De Ethelbert, and an infant not named. Mr. Thornton owns 500 acres of good land. He is a member of the Old School Baptist Church. Politically he is a Democrat.
Source: History of Andrew and DeKalb Counties, Missouri (Chicago: Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1888), pp. 588-589.
William and Adam Thompson, the subjects of this sketch, are leading stock dealers of Missouri, and residents of Camden Township, De Kalb County. They are proprietors of Rosedale stock farm, situated two miles southeast from Amity, and importers and breeders of English Shire and Cleveland Bay horses, Shetland ponies and Shorthorn cattle. They were born in Lancashire, England, the father on May 30, 1840, and the son on March 24, 1861. They immigrated to the United States in April, 1869, locating upon the farm where they now reside. In 1877 they began their present business by the importation of English stock. Their business has been increasing each year, both by importation and breeding, until they now have the largest stable of blooded stock in Missouri. Their stock at present consist of eleven head of imported brood mares, seven Shetland brood mares, two imported Cleveland Bay stallions, seventeen imported Shire stallions, two registered Hambletonian trotting stallions, eleven sucking foals (ten full and one three-fourths blood), seventeen grade brood mares, and a herd of Shorthorn cattle, headed by “Chief Justice” 73256, an imported Cruikshank bull, and two cows of the same blood, and young “Marys,” “Josephines,” “Lady Elizabeths,” “Goodnesses,” “Rubys” and “Mistress Motts,” embracing 100 head. Altogether, there is invested in the above stock over $100,000. Only private sales are made. Rosedale is a model farm, consisting of 700 acres of fine land, all of which except 160 acres is in pasturage, only sufficient ground being cultivated to raise grain for feeding purposes. The farm is supplied with the necessary buildings and conveniences, and water is conducted over the premises by a well constructed system of water works, the pumping of which is performed by windmills. Since engaging in the stock business, Mr. Thompson has made annual and semi-annual trips to Europe, for the purpose of purchasing blooded stock, having returned in August, 1887, from his twenty-third visit. The notable features of the present stable are “Oscar” 5250 and “Plutarch” 5261, Shire stallions, both winners of prizes at the royal show held at Newcastle, England, in July, 1887, the former for the best two year old, and the latter for the best three year old.
Source: History of Andrew and DeKalb Counties, Missouri (Chicago: Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1888), p. 588.
Danielle was the County Coordinator for the DeKalb County MOGenWeb site from February 2001 to April 2003, when she passed on.
Marjorie Adams sent in this photo:
“Thomas P. Brooks, son of William Bond Brooks and Lavina G. Roberts Brooks, and his wife, Edna B. Morton. Tommy was the brother of my great grandmother Lavina Brooks Clark. I once had an email from a Moore family in DeKalb county, but could not think how they could be related. I hope they are still around and see the info.”
R. M. Taylor, a merchant of Fairport, was born in Carroll County, Ohio, on May 9, 1848. He is the son of John and Elizabeth (Reynolds) Taylor, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former born January 27, 1801, and the latter, in 1811. The parents of the father were natives of Ireland, and removed to America after their marriage, locating in Pennsylvania. They removed to Ohio when John was a boy, and were among the first settlers of that State. At that time the country was full of Indians and wild game. They died in Ohio. John engaged in farming in Ohio until September, 1864, when he removed to Camden Township, De Kalb Co., Mo., where he resided until his death on March 9, 1865. He was a zealous and ardent Christian, and was one of the founders of the Methodist Church of De Kalb County. The mother resides on the old homestead near Maysville. To the parents seven children were born, of whom R. M. was the third. He was reared on the farm, and acquired a good education in the district schools of Ohio, and the graded schools of Maysville. He remained with his parents until his thirty-fifth year, and then engaged in farming for himself until January 26, 1887, when he purchased his present stock of hardware. He carries a stock of some $3,500, and does an annual business of about $20,000. On January 22, 1884, he was united in marriage with Miss Cynthia Bray, who was born in De Kalb County on November 18, 1858. She is the daughter of Samuel Bray, of De Kalb County; they have two children.
Source: History of Andrew and DeKalb Counties, Missouri (Chicago: Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1888), pp. 587-588.
Robert Stockton is a native of Kentucky, born in 1818. In 1825 he moved to Indiana with his parents, where he resided until 1850. In 1844 his father removed to Platte County, Mo., thence to Iowa, and afterward to Gentry County, Mo., locating at his present home. Robert’s mother died in 1832, and his father married Margaret Wilson. She died, and he was united in marriage with Martha Wilson. When our subject left Indiana, he went to Henry County, Iowa, where he lived until 1868, then came to De Kalb County, Mo., locating on his present farm, which contains about 200 acres of good land; besides tilling the soil he is engaged in stock raising. While living in Indiana and Iowa he followed blacksmithing in connection with farming and stock dealing. In 1840 he was united in marriage with Lucinda Varner, daughter of Jacob Varner. She was born in 1822, and died on April 19, 1868. On October 11, 1868, he chose for his second wife, Mrs. Mary J. (Stone) Brooks, widow of Elijah T. Brooks. Three children were born to her first union, one of whom is dead. One son and one daughter are living; the daughter, Elzemer is now Mrs. C. D. Bellis. Mr. and Mrs. Stockton are members of the Christian Church. He was once a member of the Grange. In politics he was a Democrat until 1868, since which time he has been a Greenbacker.
Source: History of Andrew and DeKalb Counties, Missouri (Chicago: Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1888), p. 587.
(In August 1877, Jno. T. Ronayne and I) arrived in Stewartsville, Kalb Co, Missouri, Tuesday morning and that afternoon walked out to Chas. Hobb’s place. Mr. Hobbs was a great uncle of mine, having married a sister of grandmother McFarland. Aunts Nina and Maggie had gone to MO that summer or the one previous to teach school and were then staying with Mr. Hobbs’ family. We received a warm welcome upon our arrival and were given to understand that we must stay there while in that locality. The family was a very pleasant one and our stay with them was pleasant. During those bright autumn days we had many a fine ride on horseback, that being the usual mode of traveling. We also did some work in the line of hay making, corn cutting, etc. Maggie and Nina secured schools, and I also secured a fall term in a district about one mile south of Stewartsville….After giving up this school we went back to Hobbs for a time. I soon secured another school some seven miles from Uncle Hobbs’….on Friday evenings (I) rode over to Hobbs’….I resigned before the term closed and returned to Iowa in Jan’y or Feb’y.
Source: From “An Autobiography of O.A. McFarland,” an unpublished journal written by my great-grandfather Oscar Almon McFarland.
Submitter: Bethany McFarland
J. T. Stewart, a citizen of Fairport, and senior member of the firm of J. T. Stewart & Co., general merchants, was born in Hardin County, Ky., on February 18, 1856. He is the second of seven children born to A. H. and Adner (Lewis) Stewart, both natives of Hardin County, Ky. They reside at present in Daviess County, Mo., to which point they removed in 1872. The father has been a very successful farmer and stock raiser. J. T. was reared on the farm, and received his education in the district schools of Kentucky, and in the high school at Gallatin, Mo. He remained on the farm until February 1, 1880, when he removed to Fairport and engaged in his present business. The firm now carries a stock valued at between $5,000 and $6,000, including dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, hats, notions, groceries etc. They do an annual business of from $25,000 to $30,000. On August 3, 1887, Mr. Stewart was united in marriage with Hattie Brant, who was born in Ohio. She is the daughter of William Brant, who lives near Stewartsville, De Kalb County.
Source: History of Andrew and DeKalb Counties, Missouri (Chicago: Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1888), pp. 586-587.
S. E. Stephen, a citizen of Amity, De Kalb County, and manager of the general merchandise establishment of G. Y. Crenshaw, of that place, was born in Morrow County, Ohio, on April 9, 1854. He is the son of Abednego and Harriet (Higgins) Stephen. The father was also born in Morrow County, Ohio, about 1817, and removed to Missouri in the spring of 1877, locating at Fairport, De Kalb County, where he now resides. He is a highly respected citizen, and has been a very successful farmer. The mother was born in Ohio about 1820. Both parents are devout Christians, and members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Twelve children were born to them, of whom S. E. was the sixth. He was reared on the farm and received his education in the public schools of Pulaskiville, Ohio. He left the farm about 1873, and entered the store of J. B. Robinson at Fairport, Mo., as clerk, where he remained over two years. He next took a position in the store of A. A. McIninch, in St. Joseph, Mo., where he remained six months, and returned to Fairport, and engaged in merchandising under the firm name of Stephen, Hull & Co., but he sold his interest after fourteen months and again resumed clerking in A. A. McIninch’s store. Four months later he engaged in business at Fairport, the firm being Stephen, Drain & Co., but later Stephen & McIninch, and still later S. E. Stephen. In a short time he went to King City, and took charge of a store for A. A. Mclninch, but after six months returned to Fairport, and remained for fourteen months in the employ of Hull & Sons. April 26, 1886, he took his present position. October 21, 1880, he was united in marriage with Allie J. Ross, who was born in Morrow County, Ohio, in 1859. She is the daughter of George E. and Jane Ross. They have one child, Glenn Ross, born May 29, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Source: History of Andrew and DeKalb Counties, Missouri (Chicago: Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1888), p. 586.
Robert Smith is the son of Thomas and Laura I. (Silvers) Smith. The father was born in Pulaski County, Ky., on September 21, 1807, and is the son of Robert Smith, who is a native of Rowan County, N. C. He first moved to Kentucky, and then to Howard County, Mo., of which he was one of the pioneers. The father removed to the Platte Purchase in 1838, settling in Buchanan County, but removed to De Kalb County in 1845, locating on a farm in Grant Township, where he now resides. He is now in his eightieth year, and is one of the oldest citizens in the township. He has seen the Platte Purchase grow from a barren waste of prairie into one of the most productive of countries. The mother was born in Kentucky in 1811. She is the daughter of Hugh Silvers, a native of North Carolina, who removed to Kentucky and thence to Missouri. The parents live a quiet and retired life, universally beloved and respected. They are both members of the Baptist Church. Robert is the second of six children, and was born in Cass County, Mo., on July 21, 1835. He was reared on the farm, and acquired a limited education in the common schools of Buchanan County. He resided in De Kalb County ten years before there was a school in Grant Township. He left his parents at the age of twenty-one, and engaged in farming for himself. At the breaking out of the war he and his father took sides with the Union, and enlisted in the army, the father in Company C, of the Forty-third Missouri Regiment of Infantry, but previous to this he had been a captain in the Home Guards. Robert enlisted in 1863 in Company K of the State Militia, in which he held a commission as first lieutenant. He purchased his present homestead, three and one-half miles northwest from Fairport, in 1856. He has added to his land until he now has a fine farm of 300 acres. From 1870 to 1873 he served as justice of the peace, and from 1873 till 1876 as collector of Grant Township. He served as judge of the north district from 1880 until 1882. In 1857 he was wedded to Mary A. Haskins, who was born in Ohio in 1838, and was the daughter of Henry L. Haskins. She died in May, 1866, leaving two sons. In 1876 Mr. Smith chose for his second wife Eva J. Pittman, who was born in Illinois, and is the daughter of William Pittman. They have six children.
Source: History of Andrew and DeKalb Counties, Missouri (Chicago: Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1888), pp. 585-586.
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